8 Winter Running Hats to Keep You Warm on Cold Runs

This best-selling lightweight running hat for winter is made from a poly-spandex blend that stretches over your head, sits close on your ears, and effectively wicks away sweat. Thin enough to fit under a ski helmet or bike helmet, it kept warm-blooded testers toasty at temps as low as 10 degrees; others used it as a liner underneath chunky knit caps. Runners prone to overheating appreciated being able to roll it up and stuff it in their pocket. If you don’t love it, Tough Headwear has a generous return policy. The beanie is also available in bright orange and neon yellow for increased visibility during winter’s limited-daylight days or in snow.

Winter isn't the only time of the year to wear a hat. see our list of the best running hats to wear whatever the season.

If you insist on running in truly frigid temperatures, you may wish to opt for a protective style like this one. This fleece hat has a pull-down face mask in front which helps to protect your head, face, and ears from the winter chill. The face portion is made from moisture-wicking material so it won't get overly damp from your breath—plus the whole thing is machine washable, so you can just throw it in with the rest of your laundry.

There's nothing quite as cozy as a beanie in wintertime—and if you get a good one like this Carhartt, it will stay on your head, and last for years. Carhartts are known for having thick, plush, and stretchy material, which makes them great for fitting on any type of head shape and size. Since it has a folded design, you can also pull it down to your desired height for a looser or closer fit based on your preference. Best of all, it comes in numerous colors that you will want to wear outside of your workouts.

Most winter hats leave my giant, chaotic ponytail with nowhere to go. This fleece cap has a little hole in the back through which it can escape, so all that hair stays out of sight and out of mind. It’s an ideal pick for sunny, below-freezing days, as the bill is big enough to protect your eyes, and the drop-down ear flap is cozy against your ears and neck. It’s also versatile—the ponytail slit is almost unnoticeable if you’re not using it, and on warmer days, you can tuck the ear cover back into the cap. The all-over fleecy fabric is soft, comfortable, and warm, but it doesn’t provide much rain protection for those who run in wetter climates. Also be warned that the hat stretches to fit in one-size-fits-most fashion, so runners with bigger heads might find it to be too tight.

Block out some of that blinding winter sun or keep the falling snow off your face with this generously billed ball cap. Made of a soft, stretchy fleece with a drop-down flap to cover your neck and ears, the hat will keep your whole head warm and comfortable on the coldest days. For visibility on early morning or late evening runs, the hat’s bill has reflective accents.

This is the go-to head warmer for the brave soul who runs in all conditions, including snow, sleet, and ice (which we don’t recommend). Here’s why: Smartwool’s 100 percent merino is double-locked for extra warmth, which is no surprise, but it’s also soft, it breathes, it wicks moisture, and it resists the odors that some man-made materials never shake, even after repeated washing. Roll the cuff up for a stylish touch or pull it down low over your ears on the frostiest days. A few outliers complain that the weave on this year’s model is thinner than in the past, but most runners rave about this perennial fave.

When you just need a simple, warm layer to get the job done without setting you back in the cash department, this skullcap has you—and your ears—covered. Made of a blend of polyester and spandex, the hat wicks away moisture and keeps sweat from pooling into your eyes. It’s robust enough to block out the windchill but still lightweight enough that you won’t overheat on balmier days.

Give your head some soft merino love with this lightweight winter cap. Made of 96 percent merino wool with a little spandex for stretch, the beanie keeps you cozy on cold runs without leaving your scalp itchy and overheated, and the just-snug-enough fit stops the cap from sliding off without inducing a pressure headache. It’s so small and lightweight that you can tuck it into a pocket if you get too warm—but be warned, you might want something heavier for the coldest, bitterest days.